Woodinville-based Loctronix, announced a new partnership with NEC Magnus Communications to bring their patented Special Compression Positioning (SCP) technology to Japan. SCP provides accurate, real-time location information from a single chip inserted in mobile devices.

But wait, it gets much cooler.

"...pedestrians will be able to point their mobile phones at a building and view a map of what is inside, locate particular stores, or see if their friend has arrived at their favorite meeting place."

JYPG Steering Committee Roll Call

Hey - you've heard so much about us... but many of you may not know who we are or what we are doing. Here's your JYPG Executive Roll Call! If you are interested in joining the JYPG Executive to get more involved with upcoming events and getting out in the community, we invite you to come to one of our meetings. Please contact Rebecca Retzler if you are interested and we will fill you in on all the details for our next meeting.

Brian Maeda, Microsoft, JYPG President: Brian lived in Japan for 7 years after college and was as an English teacher, Keio University student and Time Magazine advertising salesman. He currently works at Microsoft in the Xbox division. He is an Account Manager for a number of Japanese videogame publishers in the Global Third Party Publishing group.

Why JYPG? The social network that we've created is a nice mix of business professionals who have a connection to Japan. Whether you've lived in Japan or want to live in Japan there is a common tie that binds us together. I got involved because I enjoy spending time with like-minded individuals on both sides of the Pacific Ocean. Japan has had a profound influence on my business and personal life today and it will always be a part of what I do and how I identify myself. JYPG is a great way to network with interesting people who share similar experiences.

Ryan Hart, Kibble & Prentice, JYPG VP: Ryan spent five years in Japan teaching on the JET Program, working for Metropolis Magazine in Tokyo, and then teaching and writing textbooks for AEON Corporation. He is currently the co-Country Representative for JETAA USA, which has 19 alumni chapters across the United States. He now manages content and marketing collateral for Kibble & Prentice, a full-service insurance brokerage in downtown Seattle, in their corporate marketing department.

Why JYPG? In addition to JYPG being the best Young Professional Group in the Pacific Northwest, Ryan is involved in JYPG in order to provide career networking opportunities for members of the Pacific Northwest JET Alumni Association (PNWJETAA). "I hope to see lots of JETs at JYPG events. This is a great opportunity that shouldn't be overlooked!"

Christopher Cummins, NNR Global Logistics, JYPG Secretary: Chris graduated from The University of Puget Sound and then spent two years in Japan teaching ESL for the Japanese company GEOS. Chris is currently the Account Executive for NNR Global Logistics in Seattle, WA; the local branch of the Fukuoka-based Japanese company Nishitetsu (西日本鉄道). NNR (Nishi Nippon Railroad) assists companies with the export and import of freight worldwide by air, ocean, rail, and truck.

Why JYPG? An original interest in working for NNR was the prospect of working with native Japanese speakers and using the Japanese language regularly. However in the business world of logistics these opportunities are few and far between. Chris joined JYPG to give himself more access to local Japanese speakers and professionals and continue to develop his language and networking skills.

Rebecca Retzler, Japan-America Society, JYPG Co-Treasurer: Rebecca graduated from The University of Michigan and began working at an interpreting and translating company called Suzuki, Myers & Associates. Rebecca then spent five years in Japan teaching English at Senshu University Matsudo Junior and Senior High School. Following her time in Japan, she worked in Chicago as a TQM Administrator at the American branch of a Japanese company called GC America, Inc. Since relocating to Seattle, Rebecca has been with the Japan-America Society for almost two years and is currently the Program Director.

Why JYPG? To quote our JYPG mission statement : "To create a social network of young professionals in Washington State who share a common interest in Japanese business, culture, and society." JYPG is the perfect outlet to stretch your wings and meet new people with common interests in the Seattle Japan-America community. JYPG not only provides great chances for networking, meeting new friends (or catching up with old ones), meeting business contacts and creating possible career opportunities, we also have interesting and informative business events every quarter with local distinguished speakers.

Akiko Kasugayama, Nintendo of America, JYPG Co-Treasurer: Born and raised in Yokohama, Japan, Akiko moved to the United States in '95 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Comparative Cultures. After graduating, she held various positions such as reporter, fraud investigator, bartender, medical interpreter, and recycling project manager. With a passion for traveling, languages, and cultures, she travelled around the world for 101 days with a Japanese non-profit organization that promotes social justice and conflict resolution. In addition to JYPG, she currently sits on the board of Eastside Nihon Matsuri Association . She enjoys skiing, windsurfing, and a good game of scrabble.

Why JYPG?: JYPG offers a great platform for Japan-related people from different industries to connect professionally and socially. Being a part of the Committee has been a fun learning experience thus far, and I look forward to seeing the community grow.

Gregory Buehler, University of Washington, JYPG Committee: As an undergraduate, Gregory attended Colorado State University and studied abroad at Trinity College Dublin. After graduation, he spent three years teaching English in Hiroshima prefecture on the JET Program. Returning to the US, Gregory spent three years managing the Berlitz Language Center in Bellevue. Since September 2008, he has been pursuing a Japan Studies MA at the University of Washington with a focus on Japanese business and political economy.

Why JYPG? Hoping to meet other young professionals in the Seattle area who shared his interest in Japan, Gregory found the perfect fit at JYPG. As a new group with a fresh perspective, he thinks JYPG offers a unique opportunity to apply your vision towards building something from the ground up. So far, one of the biggest benefits for Gregory has been spending time with the other committee members and getting to know them better.